While your appetite gets fed, several local bands will be on hand playing everything from Christian country to heavy metal. Christian country artist Steve Davis will perform in addition to rock band Cause and Effect and hip-hop group Unbreakable as well as others.

Sharon King, executive director of the Portales Chamber of Commerce, says hype has been building all summer for the brand new event.

“I’ve heard that they’re excited that there’s going to be more to do and they’re looking forward to it,” King said. “There’s going to be a little something for everybody. There will be all sorts of music, probably a variety of rock-and-roll and country and probably some Christian music too so that will suit everybody’s wants and needs.”

Small also thinks the larger event will bring out more families to celebrate the holiday.

“It will be a good family event, there’s going to be games for the kids to play and plenty of good food.”

“It gives people something to do, and we always like that on our days off, so that will be great,” King said. “I think it is the fireworks (that people love). I think it reminds us of the excitement of the freedom we have in America that no other country has quite like we do.”

King said the chamber is spending about $7,500 on this year’s fireworks display. She says people can expect a show similar to last year’s event.

One popular location to view the city’s fireworks show is the lawn surrounding Greyhound Arena, but King says you can see the show from all over town.